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Cherry Tomato Confit with Whipped Ricotta and Crostini

Cherry tomatoes slow-roasted in olive oil until jammy, spooned over whipped ricotta and served with crostini. A make-ahead summer appetizer, and an all-purpose confit to keep on hand.

Ingredients

Cherry Tomato Confit

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups), left whole
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1½ cups extra-virgin olive oil, or more as needed

Whipped Ricotta

  • 2 cups whole-milk ricotta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

To Serve

  • 1 baguette, sliced thin and toasted with olive oil
  • Fresh basil, flaky salt, olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 250°F. In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, garlic, thyme, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pour in enough olive oil (about 1½ cups) to mostly submerge the tomatoes. A few tops peeking out is fine.
  2. Bake until the tomatoes are glossy, tender, and just beginning to split, soft but not browned, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Let cool to room temperature in the dish, then discard the thyme sprigs.
  3. While the confit cools, whip the ricotta with the olive oil and salt in a food processor for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Chill.
  4. For the crostini, slice the baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Cool.
  5. Spread the whipped ricotta across a wide shallow bowl. Spoon the confit and some of its golden oil over the top, finish with torn basil and flaky salt, and serve with crostini.

Notes

  • Keep the confit in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze in small containers for up to 2 months. Bring to room temperature before serving, since the oil solidifies when chilled.
  • Save the garlicky oil for pasta, fried eggs, or roasting vegetables.
  • If your harvest trickles in, freeze cherry tomatoes as you pick them, then thaw and use once you have enough.
  • Whole-milk ricotta is essential for a silky whip. Low-fat stays grainy.

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